Type IV Throwable Flotation Devices and Their Safety Features

A Type IV PFD is a throwable flotation device designed to be thrown to a person in distress in the water. Unlike other types of PFDs, Type IV devices are not meant to be worn on the body. They are specifically created to provide immediate buoyancy to a person who may be drowning or unable to swim to safety.

About the United States Coast Guard PFD classification system

The classification Type IV reflects a system of approving life jackets and other PFDs developed by the United States Coast Guard. In 2014, the Coast Guard announced that they were going to phase out this old system of classifying PFDs. 

Under the new system there are no Type IV PFDs. Throwable PFDs are now classified as Type II. To learn more about the new labelling system, you can check out this resource about PFD Types and Designs.

Important: You may still see a PFD labelled as Type IV. If the PFD is approved by the Coast Guard, appropriate for your specific water activity, and in good condition, it can still be used. 

Types of throwable PFDs

There are five types of throwable PFDs. All types share several common characteristics:

• Design: They can be quickly thrown to a person in need to provide immediate assistance.
• Buoyancy: Must have a minimum buoyancy rating of 16.5 pounds (73.4 Newtons).
• Visibility: They must be brightly colored in SOLAS- approved colors, typically in international distress orange, for high visibility in emergencies.

Throwable PFD uses and laws

Throwable PFDs are mandatory on vessels longer than 16 feet in length, as per US federal law.

They must be readily accessible and kept in an open deck area, visible to everyone.

They are not required on kayaks and canoes, regardless of their length.

They never replace the legal requirement of wearing an approved, correctly-sized life jacket.

Throwable PFD safety features

Throwable PFDs may share some similarities, however they do come in different shapes. Each shape has unique safety features and is for use in specific boating scenarios:

Horseshoe buoy

Horseshoe buoys are essential safety equipment for many types of vessels. These Type IV personal flotation devices (PFDs) have the following features:

• U-shaped design with standard dimensions of approximately 430 x 620 x 110 mm (Height x Width x Thickness)
• Buoyancy of 147 Newtons (about 33 pounds), more than the minimum required for Type IV PFDs
• Closed-cell plastic or polyethylene foam core, which resists rot and provides excellent flotation
• Tough, vinyl-coated nylon cover that is water-resistant and easy to clean
• Heavy-duty zipper that allows for easy access to the foam core if needed
• Grab lines or ropes to assist in pulling a person out of the water if they have fallen overboard
• Some models include a built-in sea anchor to slow the buoy’s movement in water, eliminating the need for a separate drogue chute
• Some designs also feature a central joint that allows for slight additional spacing, so it can be adapted to larger body sizes.

Ring buoy

Depending on the size and type of boat (16 feet or longer), one or more ring buoys may be a required piece of safety equipment on your watercraft. They are often found on larger commercial vessels and at marinas, and are designed to meet U.S. Coast Guard, SOLAS, and other maritime safety standards. Ring buoys have the following features:

• Circular shape which may vary in size, commonly 20, 24, or 30 inches in diameter, depending on the vessel’s length and regulations.
• Minimum buoyancy of 16.5 pounds (73.4 Newtons)
• High-impact linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or unicellular polyurethane foam, designed to withstand harsh environments and rough water
• A floating polypropylene rope or grab line, at least four times the buoy’s outside diameter, is attached to allow rescuers to pull the person to safety
• Often include beckets for securing the grab line and may be equipped with a floating waterlight for night-time use.

Throw cushion

Throw cushion Type IV PFDs are throwable flotation devices that are commonly found on power boats. They have several key features:

• Square-shaped, resembling a seat cushion, with a large surface area
• Minimum buoyancy of 18 pounds (8.16 kg)
• Straps on either side for the user to hold onto or put their arms through
• Can be placed under the chest for flotation. Not suitable for unconscious persons, non-swimmers, or children.
• Designed for calm, inland waters with heavy boat traffic where help is nearby
• Required to have a grab line attached at four points, with a length at least four times the PFD’s diameter

Throw cushions are popular for powerboats due to their ease of storage, but they can be challenging to throw accurately in strong winds. They are easy to stow and their name suggests that they can double as a seat cushion, though this is not recommended as it may degrade the foam.

Practice throwing your Type IV or Type II device

Having the right equipment is one thing. Learning to use it properly is another.

It takes some practice to handle throwable PFDs, since they don’t behave like balls or other sports equipment. In the event of an emergency, you will need to toss the PFD close to the person in the water so they can grab onto it, but you also must be careful not to strike their head or face. There may be wind, and you may be under stress.

Practice throwing your PFD on land, or in a safe, unpopulated area such as an empty cove.

Learn about boating safety and get your state-specific boating license today

To operate a vessel legally in the United States, you need a state-specific boater card. When you study to take the test for California, New York or Florida, you will learn all about local boating laws, required boating safety equipment, and more. 

Our approved boating safety course is affordable and U.S. Coast Guard approved. Sign up today!